Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance

17/06/2024

🎓 University of Cambridge Veterinary Medicine students proudly presented their final year projects to the department last week.

It was a morning of great presentations, including two from students supervised by the EIDS team 💙🐴

🔹Anabelle's research focused on vet and horse owner awareness of Hendra Virus in Australia

🔹Katie's research focused on the current use, knowledge and opinions around StrangVac amongst UK veterinary surgeons

These presentations conclude a year long project undertaken by final year vet students and EIDS was pleased to support students with their research 👏

14/06/2024

Did you know there are six steps before a positive laboratory diagnosis is reported to a surveillance system? 🐴🔬 Understanding these stages helps us better grasp how equine infectious diseases are tracked and managed:

1️⃣ Horse with infectious disease: It all starts with a horse contracting an infection.

2️⃣ Signs recognised by owner: The horse begins to show signs of illness, which are noticed by the owner, who then calls their vet.

3️⃣ Vet examination: A vet examines the horse to assess the situation.

4️⃣ Sampling: The vet takes samples from the horse for further analysis.

5️⃣ Lab confirmation: These samples are sent to a diagnostic laboratory where the infection is confirmed.

6️⃣ Reporting: Finally, the lab's findings are reported to a surveillance network, aiding in the broader monitoring of equine health.

By understanding this process, we can appreciate the crucial role each step plays in safeguarding our horses. 🐎💪

12/06/2024

❗A case of equine influenza in a 4 year old Connemara gelding newly arrived on to a premises in Kent has been reported to the ICC.

🔎 The horse had received an influenza vaccine on 13 May 2024, but its vaccination status prior to this is not known.

🔹Positive diagnosis was confirmed on 24 May 2024, by PCR on a nasopharyngeal swab, although details of the infection were only provided to the laboratory on 12 June 2024.

🔹There is one further vaccinated animal on site.

🔹Clinical signs, first noted on 17 May 2024, included: pyrexia, inappetence, lethargy and dry/harsh cough.

12/06/2024

🎖️ EIDS: safeguarding equine health with industry collaboration and data-driven surveillance.

Our committed team manages several surveillance schemes, assisting in the detection and reporting of infectious disease incidents, and also offers essential disease control advisory services for veterinary surgeons.

We consistently assess outbreak data and frequently share updates via our reporting platforms and peer-reviewed publications 📰

Discover more about us ➡️ www.equinesurveillance.org 🐴

10/06/2024

🔔EIDS Strangles May 2024 Update

17 diagnoses from samples submitted by 14 veterinary practices across England and Scotland

Swipe through for more details! ➡️
Explore more data via the SES surveillance hub: http://tinyurl.com/EIDSstrangleshub 🌐

**Figures reported are summarised from the Surveillance of Equine Strangles network; note that additional diagnoses or cases may not have been reported to SES and therefore not included**

07/06/2024

❗A case of EHV-1 neurological disease on a premises in Leicestershire has been reported to the ICC.

🔎 The affected horse is an unvaccinated eight-year-old Thoroughbred mare.

🔹There are approximately 20 horses on the premises, of which two were in contact with the case; both have so far tested negative by PCR on nasopharyngeal swabs. Movement restrictions and biosecurity measures are in place and further diagnostic testing is being conducted.

🔹Positive diagnosis was confirmed by PCR on 3 June 2024 from sample collected on 31 May 2024.

🔹Clinical signs of ataxia, hindlimb paresis and urinary retention were observed on 30 May 2024 and the maer was subsequently euthanased when becoming recumbent the following day.

06/06/2024

📰 An abridged version of the Equine Quarterly Disease Surveillance Report for 2024 Q1 is now available in the latest issue of the Vet Record

Topics covered include:
🔹Marking a milestone -- two decades of the quarterly equine surveillance reports
🔹Approval given for direct horse movements to recommence from South Africa to the EU
🔹New Variant of H3N8 Florida clade 1 equine influenza virus detected in the UK
🔹A summary of UK equine disease surveillance for January to March 2024

➡️ Find the report here: https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.4360

You can also find our latest focus article written by Beth Wells "An update on the equine grass sickness biobank and research project" also published in this issue: https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.4361

BEVA - The British Equine Veterinary Association
Equine Grass Sickness Fund
The Moredun Foundation

04/06/2024

🔔 EIDS EHV May 2024 Update

🔹 EIDS received reports of six cases of EHV infections during May.

🔹One case of EHV-4 respiratory was reported in North Yorkshire and one case of EHV-1 respiratory in Hertfordshire on a premises with previously reported cases (https://equinesurveillance.org/jdata/icc/iccnotification/?refid=6472)

🔹Information for four cases cannot be reported as information wasn't available for them due to EIDS not receiving details from the submitting veterinary practice or owners requesting details not to be circulated.

03/06/2024

❗A case of equine influenza with a co-infection of Streptococcus zooepidemicus on a premises in Falkirk, Scotland has been reported to the ICC.

🔎 The affected horse is an unvaccinated seven-year-old Irish sports horse mare, who arrived on the premises on 24 May 2024.

🔹Positive diagnosis was confirmed on 31 May 2024, by PCR on a nasal swab.

🔹Clinical signs were first noted on 27 May 2024 and included: pyrexia, lethargy, lymphadenopathy, dry/harsh cough, and mucopurulent nasal discharge

🔹There are approximately 25 other animals on-site and at least 15 in-contacts, all of which are vaccinated, and none of these are currently affected. Recent horse movements on/off the premises were also reported.

31/05/2024

Catch up with all the latest news from the profession with Lucy in our May BEVApod Newsflash 🎧⚡

This month's top stories include the announcement that the Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Act has been granted Royal Assent after 50 years of campaigning, CVS plans to divest their operations in the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland and the launch of a new AI equine faecal egg count analysis system.

🔗 https://bit.ly/3x4vFK8
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31/05/2024

🌟 Our final post in our 'Keeping your horse safe this summer' series shares how you can stay up-to-date! ☀️🐴

🔹Talk to your vet about the local and regional situation surrounding equine infectious diseases. Communication and education is key!

🔹Reporting cases of disease enables other owners and premises to take appropriate action to protect their horses and stops further spread by discussing outbreak management plans

🔹Check out our website (www.equinesurveillance.org) to learn more about infectious diseases of horses and our surveillance initiatives

🔹Get disease alerts from EIDS - we regularly post updates and alerts about infectious disease, follow us or get in touch to see how you can stay informed

27/05/2024

🎂 This latest edition in the Equine Quarterly Disease Surveillance Report represents the first report of Volume 20 (Our 20th anniversary!) 🎊

We extend our sincere thanks to the contributing diagnostic laboratories and all those who have contributed to the contents and production of the equine surveillance reports over the past two decades.

Find out more about it's journey - swipe to see a timeline and read more in a special editorial written by EIDS's Dr Richard Newton here:http://ww.equinesurveillance.org/.../reports/dsr20241.pdf



BEVA - The British Equine Veterinary Association

23/05/2024

🌟 Third in our 'Keeping your horse safe this summer' series we have the Travel Essentials ☀️🐴

🔹Taking your own water supply and buckets, or filling up directly from a tap, ensures your horse has access to clean drinking water and reduces the risk of your horse encountering contaminated water sources, which could potentially harbor infectious pathogens.

🔹Incorporating regular use of hand sanitiser into your routine can reduce the risk of transmitting pathogens. Whether you're handling equipment, interacting with other horse owners, or simply touching surfaces in public areas, sanitising your hands helps mitigate the potential for contamination.

🔹Be prepared by taking a first aid kit with you. Accidents and emergencies can occur unexpectedly, even during routine travels with your horse. Therefore, it's wise to pack a comprehensive first aid kit to address any minor injuries or medical concerns promptly.

🔹Take your own hay for your horse and avoid hay-sharing practices with unfamiliar horses to prevent cross-contamination and minimise the potential transmission of infectious pathogens.

21/05/2024

🐴 Missed our webinar on Biosecurity for Livery Yards? Join us as I discuss with Jonathan Cleaver of Ivesley Equestrian Centre about their recent outbreak, with Nic de Brauwere, head of Welfare at Redwings Horse Sanctuary joining us, and kindly hosted by SEIB Insurance Brokers

The conversation had some excellent experiences shared from a brilliantly honest and open Jonathan, and some useful insights into how yards can protect themselves, as well as talking about the developments for the Strangles vaccines. Definitely worth a watch for any yard owners to help understand the costs both physical and mental, of an outbreak of infectious disease, and to find out steps they can take to be precautious, and prepared.

You can watch the webinar now: https://bit.ly/infectious_diseases_webinar

20/05/2024

🌍 Did you know the International Collating Centre (ICC) has compiled global equine disease outbreak data for over 30 years!

The ICC gathers information from multiple country-based disease reporting systems and reports from the World Organisation for Animal Health!

Between January and March 2024, there were 257 reports from 13 countries collated and summarised into convenient email alerts by the ICC. What a handy way to keep up to date with international disease 👏

Want to find out more? Message us to sign up!

International Thoroughbred Breeders' Federation
Fédération Equestre Internationale

16/05/2024

⚠️ Equine Grass Sickness cases have been rising ⚠️

The Equine Grass Sickness Fund (EGSF) has seen an increase in cases during the spring months of 2024, with sixteen reported across the UK in a 23 day period between 09-Apr-24 and 01-May-24.

➡️The International Collating Centre has produced a summary of recent case data, swipe to have a look!

This is a timely reminder that with the support of The British Horse Society, the EGSF has a biobank that collects data from case reports alongside biological and environmental samples. Samples are stored and available to all researchers investigating EGS. Find out more here: https://www.grasssickness.org.uk/biobank/

The Moredun Foundation

15/05/2024

🔔EIDS Strangles April 2024 Update

Nine diagnoses from samples submitted by seven veterinary practices across England and Scotland.

Swipe through for more details! ➡️
💛 And remember your horse deserves the BEST, go to Strangles Awareness Week to find out how you can be the BEST for your horse!

🌐 Explore more data via the SES surveillance hub: http://tinyurl.com/EIDSstrangleshub

**Figures reported are summarised from the Surveillance of Equine Strangles network; note that additional diagnoses or cases may not have been reported to SES and therefore not included**

14/05/2024

Tomorrow night - there's still time to register for this super webinar from Strangles Awareness Week, SEIB Insurance Brokers and Ivesley Equestrian Centre 🐴💛

Register today 👉 https://bit.ly/infectious_disease_webinar

✨FREE BIOSECURITY WEBINAR FOR LIVERY YARD OWNERS ✨

We’re thrilled to have partnered with SEIB Insurance Brokers, LiveryList and Ivesley Equestrian Centre to offer you a webinar on how to prevent and manage infectious diseases on your livery yard.

📆 Wednesday 15th May
⌚7:30-8:30pm

Find out what to expect below:

🐴 Understanding your Duty of Care

🐴 The importance of recognising symptoms and what to do next

🐴Ivesley Equestrian’s Summer 2023 Strangles outbreak and how they managed

🐴Advice from Redwings Head of Welfare and Behaviour on managing an outbreak effectively

Register today 👉 https://bit.ly/infectious_disease_webinar

14/05/2024

📰 The Equine Quarterly Disease Surveillance Report for January - March 2024 is now available - and it's got a new look‼️

Including key updates:

🔹A special editorial - Reaching a notable milestone: two decades of the equine quarterly surveillance reports 🌟

🔹 NEWS: Approval given for the recommencement of direct horse movements from South Africa to the European Union

🔹 NEWS: New Variant of H3N8 Florida clade 1 equine influenza detected in UK: a reminder for vigilance in the equestrian community

🔹 FOCUS: The Equine Grass Sickness Biobank, Database and Research Project: an update and call for support

➡️Read it here: www.equinesurveillance.org/landing/resources/reports/dsr20241.pdf



BEVA - The British Equine Veterinary Association

13/05/2024

🔔 EIDS EHV April 2024 Update

EIDS received reports of seven case of EHV infections from five outbreaks during April.

Cases were reported in England and Scotland and affected horses between the ages of 1-16 years old.

A further eight cases were reported however information wasn't available for them due to EIDS not receiving details from the submitting veterinary practice or owners requesting details not to be circulated.

12/05/2024

🐴 Your horse deserves the BEST - let's make it happen!

Strangles Awareness Week 2024 has been dedicated to promoting the BEST preventative actions to safeguard horses against Strangles, empowering owners to take proactive measures in disease prevention.

- Boost immunity by vaccinating against Strangles 💉
- Educate yourself and support others ❤️
- Separate unfamiliar horses 🐴
- Temperature check routinely 🌡️

10/05/2024

🌟 Second in our 'Keeping your horse safe this summer' series we have the Yard Essentials ☀️ 🐴

🔹Practicing good hand hygiene: such as washing hands before and after handling horses or their equipment can reduce the risk of transmitting pathogens

🔹Providing and using individual equipment for each horse: helps prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Shared equipment, such as grooming kits, halters or lead ropes, can act as fomites, carrying pathogens from one horse to another.

🔹Maintaining a visitor log: allows for better traceability and control of who interacts with your horse. In the event of a disease outbreak, having a record of visitors and their contact information enables prompt communication and potentially helps identify the source of the infection.

🔹Having an adequate supply of disinfectants: is essential for maintaining a clean and hygienic environment on your yard. Regularly disinfecting high-touch surfaces, such as stables, water troughs and feed buckets is a great way to help prevent spread of disease. Additionally, being well-stocked with disinfectants ensures prompt response to potential disease outbreaks.

09/05/2024

Our next BEST preventative action against Strangles is here, explained by equestrian content creator, Rhiannon Davies, AKA Riding With Rhi!

Check it out! 💛🐴

08/05/2024

Strangles Awareness Week BEST actions continue - today with 'E' 💛🐴

Educate yourself and support others ❤️
📖 Increase your knowledge about Strangles and stay up to date.
🕵️‍♀️ Question myths and misunderstandings.
🙌 Promote openness about Strangles and support those affected.

08/05/2024

💛🐴 Did you know EIDS has a strangles information sheet for horse owners?

🔹During Strangles Awareness Week it seems timely to share EIDS's information sheet for owners summarising key information about understanding strangles and how to keep our horses safe 🎖️

How can our information sheet help you?
➡️Understand how to spot strangles
➡️Read about key outbreak management plans and vaccinations
➡️See how you can to keep up to date with disease outbreaks

👆 Find it here:https://equinesurveillance.org/landing/resources/EIDS_spotting_the_signs_of_strangles_040924.pdf

07/05/2024

Watch our first BEST preventative action against Strangles, as explained by International Dressage Rider, Richard Davison and then go enter our competition to win a prize bundle worth over £5,000!

GO, GO, GO!

Boost immunity by vaccinating against Strangles! 💪

Davison Equestrian

06/05/2024

💛🐴 Strangles Awareness Week is here!💛🐴

EIDS and the Surveillance of Equine Strangles network are proud to be a part of this years SAW 🏆

SAW is dedicated to raising awareness and openness around the infectious equine disease, Strangles. Getting involved is free and simple - show your support for horses by helping us spread the word, not the disease. 🦠🐴

Follow Strangles Awareness Week on their social media channels to find out how you can WIN a bundle of amazing prizes worth over £5,000 and make a difference for horses throughout the week.

Because every horse can get Strangles, and every person can make a difference!🌍💚

04/05/2024

❗On 1 May 2024 the Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate of the Scottish Government stated: A case of equine viral arteritis (EVA) has been confirmed in Scotland in a nine-year-old Andalusian stallion imported from Spain in 2021.

🔹The private veterinary surgeon (PVS) who had sampled the horse prior to proposed breeding, reported suspicion of disease following a non-negative EVA antibody titre.
🔹The animal had not been bred from while in the UK and has no known history of EVA vaccination. At the APHA (Animal Plant Health Agency) investigation the horse had no clinical signs of EVA.
🔹Semen samples were collected and were positive for EVA on PCR testing, which enabled the Scottish Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) to confirm disease on the 5 April 2024.
🔹 Appropriate restrictions are in place on the animal to limit the risk of the disease spreading. EVA poses no threat to human health and international trade in horses and their germinal products remains unaffected.

03/05/2024

❗A case of EHV-1 neonatal death on a premises in Lincolnshire has been reported to the ICC.

🔎On 1 May 2024 a case of EHV-1 neonatal death in a two-day-old Thoroughbred foal on a premises in Lincolnshire was reported.

🔹 Positive diagnosis was confirmed on 29 April 2024, by PCR on foal and placental tissue.

🔹 Clinical signs included increased respiratory rate and effort at 18h old, quickly progressing to respiratory distress and death at 30h old. The dam was not vaccinated against EHV.

🔹There are a further 40 animals on site including other pregnant mares and new arrivals. There are possibly further affected cases and additional testing is being conducted.